Inventor Resources Page at the US Patent Office Website

Check out the Inventors Resources Page at the
United States Patent and Trademark Office's website
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/index.htm

There are links to the following:
What is a Patent?
Who can apply for a Patent?
What can and cannot be patented?
How do I know if my invention is patentable?
How long does patent protection last?
How much does it cost to get a patent?
What is a PCT application?
Frequently asked questions about patents

What is a Copyright?

What is a Trademark?
Why should I obtain a trademark?
How do I register my trademark?
What do I need to include in my trademark application?
How much does it cost to apply for a trademark registration?
How do I do a federal trademark search?
Does the USPTO determine trademark infringement?
Frequently asked questions about trademarks

On-Line Chat Transcripts
FAQs from previous chats
Do I need a patent, trademark and/or copyright?
Do I need to hire a lawyer or agent?
What is the role of the USPTO?
What free assistance is available from the USPTO?
Where do I find local assistance?
How do I finance and/or market my invention?
The USPTO and Current Events for the Inventor
Does the USPTO market, promote or license inventions?

You can also print the following brochures:
Scam Prevention [ pdf ]
Disclosure Document Program[ html ]
Provisional Application for Patent[ html ] [pdf]
Provisional Application - MPEP guide [html]
General Information Concerning Patents [ html ]
A Guide to Filing A Utility Patent Application [ html pdf ]
A Guide to Filing A Design Patent Application [ html pdf ]



What is a Copyright?